Posted on 12/14/2007 11:13:41 AM

College Football Betting – New Orleans Bowl: Owls vs. Tigers

By Russell Edward

The New Orleans Bowl could turn into one of the most exciting games to watch in this 2007 college football bowl betting season. Both offenses can light up the scoreboard and both possess defenses that, while not bad, will certainly be tested in this matchup. This game should come down to the wire and will, in all likelihood be won by the team that wins the turnover battle.

Florida Atlantic Owls –2.5 vs. Memphis Tigers +2.5

Thanks to the arm of quarterback Martin Hankins, the Tigers have put up some of the nbest offensive numbers in school history. The passing attack ranks 13th in the nation, led by Hankins’ 22 TDs vs. just 12 INTs. His main targets have been Duke Calhoun and Carlos Singleton, the 6-foot-8 red zone monster who leads the team with 10 touchdowns.

They will be challenged by a secondary that has tallied 17 INTs this season, but many of those came against inferior opponents. Still, a defense that ranks first in turnover margin, at plus-19, is nothing to be taken lightly. The Tigers will have to take care of the football and use the running game to set up the pass. If they fail to get a running game established, they will lose the turnover battle and this game.

Running back Joseph Doss will get the rock for most of the game, but he won’t have an easy time against the tough run defense of the Owls. The Owls’ linebackers will try to stop Doss early so they can focus on getting to Hankins in the pocket. However, that battle will not be easy, either, as the Tigers offensive line is good, and they don’t let their pass protection crumble without a fight, having allowed just 13 sacks all season.

New Orleans Bowl @ Louisiana Superdome: 8 PM, Friday, December 21, 2007

A key battle for covering the 2.5-point football betting spread will take place as Owls CB Tavious Polo takes on Carlos Singleton in the secondary. Polo is fast and had a good nose for the ball. He leads his squad with seven INTs and should be able to run with Singleton. He may have problems in the red zone, though, where size could become more of an issue. He stands 5-foot-ten; almost a foot shorter than his rival.

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